Cypress Hills News

Fort Walsh Hours:

Hours of Operation: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

May 29 - June 30: Tuesday to Saturday

July 1 - September 3: Daily

September 4 - September 29: Tuesday to Saturday

Fort Walsh Fall Fun

Step back in time to the 1870s and discover what life was like on a working fort in the lawless time of rotgut whiskey runners. Imagine the scarlet serge-clad NWMP marching on parade, hear Métis legends handed down through generations and learn traditional crafts and skills. Uncover the history of Canada’s part in the aftermath of the Battle of Little Big Horn. Discover the new visitor centre and interactive exhibits and contact us for more fall fun information.

Hiking

Gather your water bottle, and camera to hit the rolling trails. Packed, graveled trails or a bit of back country adventure, the choice is yours. Follow the paths upwards to find some red chair rewards. Or for a bit of a different view, travel Battle Creek. Keep your eyes open for the different flora and fauna you might see along the way.

Why not pack a picnic lunch so you can stay out longer? You can stop at a covered picnic shelter or find a spot where you like the sunshine and the view!

Check before you trek. Contact us before you venture out as trail conditions can change with the weather.

Cycling

Ride the rolling hills as you take in the sweet smell of the pines. The mottled sunlight peeks through the trees as you cruise from one grassy meadow to another. Packed, graveled trails or a bit of back country adventure, the choice is yours.

Why not pack a picnic lunch and go on a hunt for the history of the area? Venture out to the trading posts and the Cypress Hills Massacre site.

Check before you trek. Contact us before you venture out as trail conditions can change with the weather.

Bike rentals

Want to cruise the picturesque trails but don’t have a bike with you? No problem! Fort Walsh NHS now offers bicycle rentals. Mountain bikes, cruiser bikes and youth mountain bikes are available to choose from. Would you like to have a picnic lunch along the trail? Great news, the cruiser bikes have baskets perfect for a packed lunch!

Come to front desk of the visitor centre, for bike rentals and trail information. Rentals can be reserved by phone on a first come first served basis. Credit card payment is required to secure the reservation. Rentals available through the operating season, availability subject to change.

Canada's national parks, national marine conservation areas and national historic sites are the ultimate awe-inspiring experience. Starting in 2018, Parks Canada is inviting young Canadians and their families to make visiting these places part of their traditions with free admission for youth 17 and under. *Fees for enhanced services and events may apply.

New at Fort Walsh National Historic Site for 2018...

Frontier Life

Satudays, July / August

Uncover stories of the many peoples who called this area home in the late 1800s. Help a NWMP officer complete their mid day stable duties, discover stories at the First Nations camp and taste flavours of the past at the cook tent. Don't miss the historic weapons and cannon firing... and don't forget to book ahead for the new Trading Post tour!

Discover the new visitor centre and interactive exhibits, check out the First Nations camp and NWMP horses. Experience the thrill of bartering at the trade cabins, go on a guided Fort Walsh tour... and don't forget to book ahead for the new Trading Post tour!

2017 marks the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation and we invite you to celebrate with Parks Canada! Take advantage of free admission to national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas for the entire year. Get curious about Canada’s unique natural treasures, hear stories about Indigenous cultures, learn to camp and paddle and celebrate the centennial of Canada’s national historic sites with us. Find adventure, fun for the whole family or a short break from the everyday in more than 200 special places across the country.

Fort Walsh 2017 Special Events Activities Include:

*Special event and activity fees apply.

Wild West Trades Day

Saturday, August 5 (August Long Weekend)

Ready... aim... Canada 150 fun! Fort Walsh meets the wild west at this family fest of trades and tradition all wrapped up in a whole lot of fantastic family activities, including Red Ryder bb gun challenge, archery, RCMP cadets marching drills, black powder demo, bouncy castles, tattoos, face paint, Métis dancers and other Wild West fun!

NEW! Learn-To Camp

July 15-16

Starry nights, tons of activities and a chance to bond with family and friends around an open campfire. To register: 1-888-773-8888

NEW! Bike Rentals

Bring your bike or rent one and choose your own adventure as you ride the trail, backcountry route or gravel road to the Cypress Hills Massacre site.

Rotgut Run

July 15

Looking for a challenge? Run or walk the Rotgut Run, in one of the most picturesque and challenging 5 km runs in Saskatchewan. Register at runningroom.com